2014 NFL Draft: Ranking Baltimore Ravens' Top 5 Needs

2014 NFL Draft: Ranking the Baltimore Ravens' top 5 Needs

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens are in the middle of free agency, but part of their focus is still on the NFL draft in May. Free agency is a good way to add a piece or two, but the best and cheapest way to improve your team is through the draft. This year, Baltimore will have the 17th overall pick in the draft. Let’s take a look at the top five positions they will need to address.

5. Safety

Eileen Blass-USA TODAY

5. Safety

Eileen Blass-USA TODAY

Baltimore has always relied heavily on their defense. Last season, they drafted Matt Elam to replace Ed Reed, but they could still use an upgrade at the other safety position. The only problem is that if Baltimore wants to get an instant starter at safety, they might have to use one of their first couple of picks.

4. Running Back

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

4. Running Back

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore running game last season was basically non-existent. Ray Rice had the worst season of his career and Bernard Pierce was not much better. Some of it can be blamed on the poor offensive line, and Rice may bounce back. However, I believe the Ravens still should draft a RB. The average career of an NFL RB is not that long, and Baltimore needs to look toward the future.

3. Center

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Center

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

To say Baltimore’s offensive line was bad last season would be an understatement. At times, they were pathetic. Baltimore needs a couple of offensive linemen in this draft, and one should be a center. They need an anchor in the middle that can open up the holes for the running game.

2. Wide Receiver

Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

2. Wide Receiver

Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore has a good receiver in Torrey Smith and they re-signed Jacoby Jones, but I still believe they should draft one. This is an extremely deep draft for WRs and the Ravens should take advantage of that.

1. Tackle

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tackle

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore made a good move in re-signing LT Eugene Monroe, but they still need to fill the void at the RT position. Last season, Michael Oher was the RT, but he did not have a good season last year and is now a free agent.